Murray Left Dumbstruck As Djokovic Triumphs In Melbourne

By Shane Thomas

Novak Djokovic beats Andy Murray 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 to win the 2011 Australian Open

Britain's 76 year wait for a Grand Slam tennis champion goes on after Andy Murray took a battering from the Serbian, Novak Djokovic in the final of the Australian Open. What promised to be the tightest of finals became a procession after a hard-fought first set, in which Djokovic's fierce ball-striking cut Murray to ribbons. Figuratively at least, Djokovic didn't beat Murray, he beat Murray up.

Now This Is How You Handle A Spineless Coward

By Shane Thomas

Like the villains in the now tiresome Scream movie franchise, it seems that every time I've wrote something about one spineless coward footballer, another one comes into view. Step forward Kevin Muscat.

The Diary Of A Pessimistic Arsenal Fan - Arsenal Show Up Fashionably Late To Reach Carling Cup Final

By Shane Thomas

ARSENAL 3-0 IPSWICH (Arsenal win 3-1 on aggregate)

Most people have a friend who is the life and soul of any party. Engaging, witty and magnetic, they're the popular kind of person that makes any gathering worth going to.

Keys & Gray Caught Offside With Sexist Jibes

By Shane Thomas

Wolves against Liverpool on a Saturday lunchtime. Unless you're a fan of those two sides, it's pretty mundane fare. So much so, I decided to head up to Central London rather than stay in to watch it. But before leaving my home, commentator Rob Hawthorne made mention that one of the assistant referees for the match was a woman. I sighed, rolled my eyes & turned the television off.

The Diary Of A Pessimistic Arsenal Fan - Arsenal Bring The Noise

By Shane Thomas

LEEDS 1-3 ARSENAL

Arsenal walked into the fiery cauldron of Elland Road and forged themselves a resilient 3-1 victory in the 3rd Round of the FA Cup. The Gunners produced a much improved display from their recent travails against Championship opposition to send their travelling away support back to North London very happy & send sections (albeit small ones) of the home support leaving early to derisive chants of, "We can see you sneaking out!"

The Ashes Review - What England Did Right

By Shane Thomas

After years of disappointment and humiliation, England won an Ashes series in Australia for the first time in 24 years. Their 3-1 victory was a credit to the players and coaching staff, who all played their part in dominating the once mighty Australians and delighting those who stayed up at ungodly hours to watch and/or listen to the action. This has been one of English cricket's finest achievements, but what were the key factors that led to such a comprehensive success:

What's That Coming Over The Hill? - England's Next Test

By Shane Thomas

It seems that England are not allowing themselves to wallow in any form of self-congratulations after vanquishing Australia. And that's just as well. While winning an Ashes series in Oz is historic, it's no longer the game's pinnacle. Australia are not amongst the game's best sides any more. Right now, the world's best Test team are India. So it's apropos that the Indians visit these shores in the summer.

The Ashes - Series Ratings

By Shane Thomas

ENGLAND:

Andrew Strauss - Had a nightmare start after getting out to the third ball of the series. But recovered to have a solid time in Oz with the bat. His furious counter-attacking century was key to England's revival in the second innings in Brisbane. He wasn't at his best with the willow but never needed to be. His calm authority permeated through the side to allow them to perform at their best, particularly in the face of some fierce criticism after the heavy defeat in Perth - 8

Paul Collingwood - The Competition Winner

By Shane Thomas

Back in 2005, I was engaged in a slightly drunken discussion with a guy about cricket. It was clear that he was a fan of the game like I was. When I said I used to play a bit as a teenager, he asked me what kind of player I was. In this situation it's easy for one to make themselves sound better than they are, especially when alcohol is involved.

Cricket Australia - Now What?

By Shane Thomas

Defeat for the Australia cricket team is a concept that's new to their fans. But it's becoming an increasingly regular trend. After series losses to South Africa and India, losing to England was the nadir. The British tabloid press have a reputation for acerbity when it comes to their failing sports stars. But it seems that the one thing that Australia still do better than the British is for the press to skewer sportsman who fail to their exacting standards.

The Diary Of A Pessimistic Arsenal Fan - Superman Saves The Day From The Giant-Killers

By Shane Thomas

ARSENAL 1-1 LEEDS UNITED

On a freezing Saturday afternoon, Arsenal staggered into the hat for the 4th Round of the FA Cup after scraping a draw with Leeds United in a nerve shredding affair at The Emirates. The Gunners failed to heed the lessons learnt by Manchester United at this stage of the competition last season, and were rescued from an embarrassing defeat by a combination of Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott being summoned from the bench in the second-half.

The Diary Of A Pessimistic Arsenal Fan - Manchester's Marathon Men Keep Pace With Tiring Arsenal

By Shane Thomas

ARSENAL 0-0 MANCHESTER CITY

The Emirates Stadium gnashed and wailed in frustration as Arsenal were unable to find the goal to give them second place in the Premier League. Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini shook off criticism for his team's approach from Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas - which was gentle compared to the vituperate chanting from the home support - to ensure that City are yet to lose to any of their challengers for a top four finish this season.

Episode 21 - Review of 2010

Turns out there was an awful lot of sport going on in 2010. Well there must have been as we recorded our longest show ever - over twice the duration of any show we've ever done before.

So whatever sport you like, you can be sure we gave it a mention at some point. We also give our individual awards out to our domestic sporting star of the year, our foreign star of the year, and the villain of the year.

I'd say we give you value for money on this show but then the podcast is free so it's a bit of a redundant point.

The Greatest Events In Sporting History' is available from both www.simplysyndicated.com or at http://sportsevents.libsyn.com/

The Diary Of A Pessimistic Arsenal Fan - Cesc & Nasri Swat Aside The Second City Bluebotttles

By Shane Thomas

BIRMINGHAM 0-3 ARSENAL

Arsenal came through a feisty and tetchy encounter to become only the fourth side to beat Birmingham at St Andrews since the Blues were promoted back to the Premier League last season.